LogFAQs > #967174238

#75 Super Mario Maker

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/0/1/1/AABIPnAADizz.jpg

I think designing video game levels, is the most brain-stimulating activity that exists. I reckon, the only reason I'm not a complete idiot today, is all the time I spent as a kid, making crappy levels in Doom, Bugworld, Chu Chu Rocket, and other games I can't remember.

And turns out, Mario is the perfect venue for level design practice, the interactions between components is just begging for experimentation and creativity.

The biggest innovation here is how it shuffles your levels to people, via the "100 Mario Challenge" mode, and you'll find out if they liked it. That feedback loop is how you actually get good at something! In any other game, finding people to play your level is a huge struggle.

It's too bad actually playing the 100 Mario Challenge is kinda torture. You kinda have to go in with an open mind. Don't expect to have fun. Just enjoy getting inside the gaming mind of some psycho stranger out there.

Also, ESPORTS!!!! Those Mario Blind Relay Races at recent GDQs are my favorite esports events I've ever seen, and the SGDQ 2022 ones were my favorite GDQ segments I've ever seen!!

BEST THEME: I really like the SMB1 + ghost house theme. For the novelty of course, but also the atmosphere is great, silly spooky, and it goes well with SMB1's more careful gameplay style. (Runner up, SMB1 + airship)